Hudson Iron Works, Hudson, New York

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Artist: Frederic Edwin Church (American, 1826–1900)
Medium: Brush and oil, graphite on paperboard backed with cardboard
Size: H x W: 22.2 × 22.8 cm (8 3/4 × 9 in.)
Museum: Smithsonian Institution
Rights: CC0 — no rights reserved

Landscape and architectural sketch showing a view of the Hudson Iron Works in Hudson, New York--a company established by Elihu Gifford, the father of Hudson River School painter Sanford Gifford. At right, factory reflected in foreground body of water. Structure defined by two gables and dual smoke stacks, which spew smoke upwards. One brightly-lit plume connects with sunlight cascading through an opening in the otherwise gray sky.

Cold light above may indicate the moon's light; however, this representation does not resemble Church's other depictions of moonlight, and the billowing smokestacks and river traffic indicate afternoon activity. In middle distance, blue-gray waters of the Hudson host three sailboats at left. In background, silhouette of the Catskills visible.